Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFrench far-right leader Marine Le Pen officially launched her presidential campaign in western France, facing a mixed reception of cheers and boos, just one day after a Paris appeals court confirmed her conviction for embezzling EU funds. The appeals court upheld her March 2025 conviction for misusing European Parliament funds to pay party staff but crucially shortened her ban on running for office, enabling her to stand in the upcoming election. During her campaign launch in La Fleche, supporters chanted 'Marine, President!', while detractors jeered 'Give the money back!' and 'Go to jail!', highlighting the deep divisions surrounding her candidacy. Le Pen, who is leading opinion polls for next year's election, dismissed questions about the verdict, stating her campaign's aim is 'France's revival' and betting that voters will overlook her legal issues, similar to how US voters responded to Donald Trump. The court ordered Le Pen to wear an electronic ankle tag for a year, though her announcement of a final appeal to France's highest court has temporarily put this order on hold, with the court expected to rule before the election. In fullMarine Le Pen launches French presidential campaign to cheers and boos after guilty verdictMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Cheers and jeers as Marine Le Pen launches French presidential campaign
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFrench far-right leader Marine Le Pen officially launched her presidential campaign in western France, facing a mixed reception of cheers and boos, just one day after a Paris appeals court confirmed her conviction for embezzling EU funds. The appeals court upheld her March 2025 conviction for misusing European Parliament funds to pay party staff but crucially shortened her ban on running for office, enabling her to stand in the upcoming election. During her campaign launch in La Fleche, supporters chanted 'Marine, President!', while detractors jeered 'Give the money back!' and 'Go to jail!', highlighting the deep divisions surrounding her candidacy. Le Pen, who is leading opinion polls for next year's election, dismissed questions about the verdict, stating her campaign's aim is 'France's revival' and betting that voters will overlook her legal issues, similar to how US voters responded to Donald Trump. The court ordered Le Pen to wear an electronic ankle tag for a year, though her announcement of a final appeal to France's highest court has temporarily put this order on hold, with the court expected to rule before the election. In fullMarine Le Pen launches French presidential campaign to cheers and boos after guilty verdictMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
